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Talks between South and North Korea

Signs of de-escalation

Representatives of South and North Korea have met for initial talks in the border village of Panmunjom. The talks are a step in the right direction, said federal government spokesperson Steffen Seibert on Wednesday. North Korea must, however, end its unlawful missile and nuclear tests, he added.

Talks between South Korea and North Korea are to be held on 9 January in Panmunjom, which straddles the border between the two countriesPhoto: Korea Pool/Getty Images

The German government is following the inner-Korean contacts very closely, reported government spokesperson Steffen Seibert on Wednesday at the government press conference. "In comparison to the situation right up to the end of last year, the talks are a step in the right direction," stressed Steffen Seibert.

Representatives of South and North Korea met on 9 January in the border village of Panmunjom. The talks were held in response to an initiative launched by both sides.

North Korea must end missile and nuclear tests

The government spokesperson said that the crucial factor in assessing North Korea’s actions will remain "whether or not Pyongyang refrains from any further provocations and whether it ends its unlawful missile and nuclear tests". These are the cause of tensions on the Korean Peninsula, he said.

Violation of UN Security Council resolutions

North Korea’s missile and nuclear programme is in breach of the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and is thus a violation of international law. This was pointed out last Friday (5 January) by deputy government spokesperson Ulrike Demmer.

It is essential for the international community to stand together, said Ulrike Demmer. China and Russia in particular are called on to implement the UN sanctions.